Woman Arrested After Pepper Spraying Wawa Employee: Police

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — A woman was arrested at a Stafford Wawa on Sunday after she was accused of assaulting employees and using pepper spray on them, the county's sheriff's office said.

The employees did not report any serious injuries, police officials said in a report on Tuesday.

The sheriff's office did not identify the assault suspect by name. She is charged with felony assault with a caustic agent, and assault and battery. She was released on her own recognizance, authorities said.

If convicted of all charges, the woman could face up to 31 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday at the Wawa on South Gateway Drive in Stafford County. Employees at the Wawa said a woman tried to buy tobacco products and became upset when they asked to see her identification. The woman then started screaming at the employee, the police report said.

"Other employees attempted to deescalate the situation, but when they were unsuccessful, requested the suspect to leave," the sheriff's office said. "Instead, the suspect made threats on their life, assaulted an employee, and sprayed pepper spray on an employee before fleeing the area."

One deputy sent out a photo of the suspect to nearby law enforcement officers. Another deputy saw the woman at the Excel Inn & Suites, police said.

The deputy spoke with the woman and took her into custody. During a search, the deputy found a used pepper spray container.